About 500 prisoners yesterday went on a hunger strike at one of Costa Rica's largest prisons, La Reforma Penitentiary.

One of their demands is for better food.

Those leading the protest told the press they're also asking for better treatment of visiting family members and better medical care.

In addition to refusing to eat, they've also stopped attending classes and workshops offered at the prison.

They complain that their family members must undergo a scrupulous inspection before entering the prison, which houses about 3,000 inmates in Alajuela, northwest of San José.

Prison System Director Reinaldo Villalobos said prison officials are in conversation with the protesting prisoners to hear their demands and try to resolve the situation.